The pier is exposed to Lake Michigan's moods. The natural channel at the north end of Bar Lake is shallow and often filled with sand. In 1893, the new man-made channel provides reliable access to Arcadia's safe harbor.

In 1905, the US Government takes over the maintenance of the channel and begins a program of trying to keep the channel open by dredging only, not by making any repairs to the piers. The piers fall apart, dredging is ineffective, and the channel is often closed.